Bandits operating between Sokoto and Zamfara States have claimed responsibility for the attack on Goronyo market in Sokoto, where over 40 villagers were killed last week.
According to Daily Trust, the bandits described the killing as “a reprisal”.
The armed criminals had stormed the market last Sunday and opened fire on the people, leading to the death of 43 persons.
The death toll eventually rose to 49.
One of the bandits’ kingpins, Shehu Rekeb, who is said to be close to both Kachallah Turji and Halilu Sububu, two notorious warlords in the area, said the attack was carried out to avenge killings of “innocent Fulanis” in the area.
“We heard those who attacked Goronyo being described as criminals. They were not. The president (Muhammadu Buhari) came out to say so. Those people (of Goronyo) have killed so many people, so they would have to be attacked and killed”, he was quoted as saying.
Citing the killing of some Fulani Muslim worshippers at Unguwar Lalle, Rekeb stated:
“When those people (Fulani) were killed, the president did not say anything but he is now coming out to react to this one.”
The publication quoted a resident of Goronyo as saying on Monday, that the attack may be connected to the killing of 11 herders at Mamande market in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of the state by outlawed vigilante group, ‘Yan Sakai’.
“This outlawed group is arresting and killing Fulani men unjustifiably,” he added.
